Motorcyclist dies in Cranberry crash

May 6, 2013News Extra

CRANBERRY TWP — An Allegheny County man was killed Monday evening when the motorcycle he was driving crashed and struck a tree near the Cranberry Highlands Golf Course in the township, authorities said.

Roger Haynes, 31, of Bellevue died of severe head injuries in the wreck about 5:15 p.m. at Freshcorn Road and Heights Drive.

“Speed appears to a factor,” said Cranberry Police Sgt. Chuck Mascellino of the deadly crash.

Butler County Deputy Coroner John Hanovick pronounced Haynes dead at the scene at 7:50 p.m. There was no autopsy.

Investigators said Haynes was northbound on Freshcorn Road when he came upon a vehicle in front of him stopped to make a left turn.

For some reason, police said, Haynes traveled into the southbound lane and tried to pass the other vehicle on the left.

“He lost control of his motorcycle and went off the road,” Mascellino said.

The Yamaha sport bike traveled into the woods and hit a tree. Haynes was wearing a helmet.

He was riding with several other cyclists at the time.

Cranberry volunteer firefighters assisted police at the scene. The crash closed the road for about four hours to allow police to conduct its accident reconstruction investigation.